A DERELICT pub is to be demolished and replaced by 33 homes, including a four-storey block of flats.

The Downsman pub in Hangleton Way, Hove, may be knocked down next spring or summer for work to start on the development after planning permission was granted on Wednesday.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee approved the proposals to build two terraces of two-storey houses and a block of 23 flats, receiving widespread support from councillors.

Councillor Tony Janio, who represents Hangleton and Knoll Ward, which includes the site, said it was “an excellent scheme” including a mixture of family housing and affordable homes.

Councillor Janio said: “Very seldom is it that we get affordable housing.

“You always get what you pay for in Hangleton. The scheme ticks all the boxes.

“The site is very close to the South Downs National Park and that is one of the reasons I would like it improved.”

Councillor Dan Yates said the scheme was a good solution for an area that needed housing more than it needed a pub, despite him not necessarily wanting to lose a pub.

He welcomed 40 per cent of the development being “affordable” housing, which is in line with the council’s policy.

The block will include a couple of penthouse flats on the top two floors and the terraces will include four two-bedroom homes and six with three bedrooms.

The planning committee voted unanimously in favour of the scheme, based on the condition that the applicants pay a financial contribution totalling just over £200,000.

The developers’ contribution will go towards an open and recreational community space, local schools, an employment scheme, sustainable transport and an art installation to be displayed in the property.

Planning committee chairwoman Councillor Julie Cattell said: “We desperately need homes.

“The city council is approving many schemes, improving them in discussion with developers and doing all we can to meet our 40 per cent affordable target each time.”

Developers Southern Housing Group, Southern Housing executive Colin Thomas, Perth Securities and Perth director John Bacon also plan to include 33 car parking spaces and 68 spaces for bicycles on the site.

The green-roofed pub opened in 1956 and closed three years ago.